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Academic Advisor

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Academic Advisor.

Position Details

Location Gulf Park

730 East Beach Boulevard

Long Beach, Mississippi, 39560

United States

Division College of Arts and Sciences

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

X06

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Job Summary

The Academic Advisor works to cultivate student success by 1) assisting students in their transition to the University, 2) facilitating students’ efforts to plan their path to degree, 3) promoting engagement in their major and 4) connecting students with key campus resources. In addition to working with students in their caseload, advisors will also respond to walk-in student needs, provide support to faculty advisors, and assist with undergraduate recruitment and retention initiatives. The position of advisor is a full-time (40 hour/week) position and limited evenings and/or weekend hours are expected.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Work collaboratively and effectively with other advisors, staff, and faculty in the School, utilizing evidence-based best practices for advising to increase student success.

+ Meet with students to advise them in matters pertaining to academic requirements and progression toward degree completion; proactively reach out to students to ensure they are meeting expectations; refer students to resources on campus as appropriate and ensure student issues are addressed efficiently and effectively; respond to student questions, including walk-ins, emails, phone, and videoconferencing, with a helpful attitude, correct information, and timeliness.

+ Provide backup for faculty advisors in the unit when faculty are not available or at the request of the school director.

+ Assist students and faculty advisors with University processes such as course substitutions, undergraduate exception requests, and graduation applications. Work with students as necessary to complete Academic Improvement Plans and Academic Clearance forms.

+ Coordinate and participate in undergraduate recruitment, orientation, and retention events and initiatives.

+ Engage in professional development and training to improve advising skills, including recognizing and supporting the needs of diverse student populations, and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least one year experience working in an academic environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

+ Commitment to professional development and growth

+ Ability to work independently to manage caseloads, demonstrating strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management

+ Knowledge of academic policies/procedures and major/degree plans according to the advisor’s area, in addition to student resources throughout the University

+ Flexibility in using problem-solving skills and initiative to assist individual students with particular issues and identify methods to improve office processes and systems

+ Ability to work effectively as a team member and develop collaborative and productive professional relationships in pursuit of shared goals.

+ Skill in working with diverse students to foster an inclusive community that recognizes the value of all people, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Prior experience with advisement, student coaching, or other student academic support work, especially with diverse student populations

Educational background in a field related to higher education, student services, or counseling.

Educational background and/or work experience in one or more of the disciplinary areas in the College.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.